MagneticMessenger.com Invitations and More Review

I received these very cute samples of invitations and thank you cards from MagneticMessenger.com today.   I received three but these two were my favorites as I liked the simple picture of the doggie with the personalized photo option.  I also like the matching thank you cards to touch up a nice theme.

The cards are a nice card stock that aren't too heavy and have a slight gloss feel and appearance.  You can choose many types to include magnetic invitations that have a small strip on the back that doesn't weigh it down and it's the perfect reminder for the party to be.  What grandparent or loved one wouldn't want a darling picture of their little one on the refrigerator?

The great feature of MagneticMessenger.com is they have products that cover any event from bridal showers to save the date to birth to christening to birthday to holiday cards with much more!

All products are customizable and are digitally printed.

The Save the Date magnets are full postcard size and come with envelopes for mailing.  There is a beautiful, elegant variety to choose from.

They have a wide assortment of birth announcements with magnets on the back and envelopes to mail.

The prices are extremely reasonable and come in a full 3.75" x 5.75" postcard size.

You receive your proof back in about 24-48 hours which is important since sending out your announcement is vital to any new mom!

Added Bonus:  A portion of proceeds benefit a Woman's Place Ministries whose mission is to protect and PRESERVE the sanctity of all life.

Light Up Your Child's Mind by Renzulli and Reis Book Review WINNER

Congratulations to

JanetFaye, LuvDayLilies, Margeret & Civ05, Your Information Was Received & Books Should be Coming Soon!

JDaniel4's Mom, please contact me by end of day today! Thanks!

I had the great opportunity from The Product Review Place and Hachette Book Group to read Light Up Your Child's Mind by Joseph Renzulli, PhD and Sally Reis, PhD.  I took an interest in reading this book mostly because I have three children at home.  They range in ages from 2 to 21 so I wanted to see if there was anything I could have done differently to invoke some creativity in the oldest one's mind.  I've grown myself since those early days with her so I can look back and reflect on what I can offer and provide both from a more mature level as well as from a resource perspective. 

I encourage the creativity in my children mostly because I'm creative myself or at least I like to think I am!  Talking to my dad today, I learned that I got it from him and they got it from me most likely.  My middle child is currently pursuing writing, acting and many other artsy type hobbies.  She's a natural and where she lacks in memory (I think due to epilepsy medications), she gains in having a wonderful ability to create almost anything.

What I liked about the book is what many parents, I would think, don't realize and that is that schools are so busy building, teaching and sticking to assigned schedules and requirements that they don't have the time to tap into each child's unique interests and desires.  This is by no means the fault of the schools but as parents, we have the ability to show our children the way through many opportunities.  It provides direction in how to guide your child versus pushing and directing their interests.  It gives suggestions on how to spark an interest and how to pursue the interests.

I think we all remember the kid in school that had the most incredible looking projects and you knew their parents helped if not created the entire project.  This method advocates tapping into the source by instilling excitement and interest without pushing.

I highly recommend this book as a great way to educate yourself on how to spur creativity in your child.  It's a great resource to teach both you and your children on how to tap into the hidden passions and carry forward in a healthy, productive manner.

The Giveaway

Hachette Book Group is offering this wonderful opportunity to allow five of my readers a chance to receive their own copy.

All you have to do to enter, is leave a comment.

For extra entries:

• Follow my blog
• Blog about the giveaway
• Tweet the giveaway

Leave an extra comment after each activity to let me know you did.

Giveaway ends September 30, 2009.

Guess Purses, Sports Items, Watches & More - 50%~ at BeyondtheRack.com

BeyondTheRack.com has Guess purses at around 50% off but hurry as the sale ends in three days! 

Here is just a sample of what they have:

Sports fan?  Great deals on SIGNED merchandise.  I want the Peyton helmet!!!

Here is a sample:

Puma watches are 50% off too!

Many great deals so check them out!

Marc Jacobs, Central Park West, Kowalski and more coming!

Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale starts Sept. 11 and Sept. 24

Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale starts September 11, 2009 and September 24, 2009!

Style!  Value!  Savings!

Buying children's clothes can be expensive since they grow so quickly especially if you have more than one!  Some of the best ways to save money is to use the old dreaded hand me down process or you can save a lot of money, have stylish children and get great values by using your local Gap Outlet.

The Gap Outlet store has so many great selections and savings that you can't afford to pass up the specials.

If you want top of the line fashion for your little one at value prices and shopping, shop the Gap Outlet.  They have stylish clothes for those children under five.  This is my favorite place to shop for my two year old and has been a favorite for all my children.

Find your local Gap Outlet here.







Click here for an exlusive 10% off purchases at the Gap Outlet sale at
TwitterMoms Exclusive: Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale Savings!


Join the TwitterMom's Discussion and hurry to spread the word to save!

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Better Bake Sale House Party Host!

I'm so excited as I was chosen as one of the Better Bake Sell House Party host sponsored by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!

On September 26th, my party invitees will bake many delicious recipes using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and sell the yummy goodies at a bake sale.  Now I just have to decide who to donate the proceeds to:

• Military Family Readiness Group
• Local School
• Local Church that feeds homeless people

Anyone have any great recipes you want to post?

Military Walt Disney World and Busch Offers

Great Military Offers by Disney and Busch


Walt Disney World Salutes the Men and Women Who Serve


Save up to 40% on rooms

Special deal for eligible members of the U.S. Military: Save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts!* For stays most nights January 4 to December 23, 2009, except not available at all 5/22-5/24/09, 6/11/09, 6/14-6/18/09, 6/22-6/25/09, 8/18-8/21/09, and 11/24-11/27/09.

Also, ask about special rates through December 23, 2009 at other select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room.

Plus a complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket

Active or Retired Member of the U.S. Military

Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options.

This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.

Friends and Family

During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may purchase up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (presenting orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard are also eligible to participate in this offer.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" tickets can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort), or at main entrance theme park ticket windows. Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows.

*Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows. Valid military identification will be required to be presented by the service or National Guard member or Reservist (or their spouse) for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets at the main entrance theme park ticket windows). See your military base ticket office or click here for details. All parties must be present when purchasing or activating tickets at main entrance theme park ticket windows.

Visit your local ITT office for details and to book or get your tickets by December 23, 2009.

Disney Cruise Line offer for Military Personnel

Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to offer special rates for military personnel to experience a Disney cruise vacation. While onboard, you'll experience spectacular shows, fantastic programs, unique rotation dining, legendary Disney hospitality and an unforgettable adventure in paradise at Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay.

To find out the latest military rates call (800) 951-3532 or your Travel Agent. Ask for booking code MTO.

Budweiser Here's to Heroes

Budweiser is honored to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2009, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter any one of Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission.


For your service and sacrifice, we thank you.

Discovery Salutes Our Military: Free One Day Cruise

Discovery Cruise Line is proud of the military serving our country and would like to wish all of them our best wishes and a safe and speedy return.

We are inviting all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan on a complimentary one day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Grand Bahama Island valid until December 31, 2010. Discovery will provide the free one day Bahamas Cruise, including the cost of all buffet meals, all service charges, taxes and Bahamian Departure Fees. There are no additional costs involved.

Military Personnel, simply fill out the form below and we will send you an e-mail entitling you to your complimentary Discovery Cruise.

Reservations will be required along with Military ID.

My Points and USO: Help a GI Call Home

The holidays are approaching and the need to hear your loved one's voices is very comforting during deployments.  My Points and the USO have teamed up to raise funds for phone cards for our great men and women deployed.  As a wife of an Army soldier, I know how much these phone cards mean to them as after awhile, the costs adds up.  Many of the military personnel are also low income and can't afford this commen convenience we have at home.

Support our troops in the best possible way – by helping them call their loved ones back home.

Lonely... tired... half a world away from home and family… the troops defending our freedom around the world ache for the sound of a loved one's voice. That’s why we - the USO - through Operation Phone Home®, buy and hand out thousands of pre-paid phone cards to our men and women in uniform.

For our soldiers at the Front, there’s no magic like the music of your child's voice on a Holiday morning... no warmth like the familiar sound of "Happy Birthday" sung by your parents or siblings... and no relief as complete as the chance to chat with a friend when you're really down.

Your $10 donation provides a GI in Iraq with 30 minutes of prepaid calls to the US. A $20 donation buys 60 prepaid minutes. A $100 donation: 300 minutes. Please give as generously as you can, today! Tomorrow could be too late.

To date, over two million phone cards have been distributed to the brave men and women overseas since the program was launched in 2003.

We have 170,000~ men and women serving to protect our freedom so please consider donating!

FREE FOR YOU! PANGEA ORGANICS' SKINCARE DISCOVERY KIT AT ALLURE

FREE FOR YOU! PANGEA ORGANICS' SKINCARE DISCOVERY KIT

Just fill out the form!

Pangea Facial Cleanser, Facial Scrub and Facial Cream.

Supplies at Allure.com are limited and expires 9/30/09!

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Join in this great opporunity to raise awareness and support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are holding a "Text-a-Thon for a Cause" to help raise support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

Throughout September, you can donate $5 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) - or logging on to http://www.kelly-confidential.com/.

Also, every time you log on to the Web site, you'll be entered for a chance to win an amazing contribution to your home - a luxury front load washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color inspired by the teal ribbon of ovarian cancer awareness.

Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual t-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. Fashion-forward Moms can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

Click here to watch what Kelly has to say.

*A one‐time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the OCRF by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 85944.

My Review of My Publisher Photo Books Plus Free Book Offer

MyPublisher has these great books you create from your photos.  Once you install their software, which was just upgraded to include new fonts and other features, it's very easy to do. 

MyPublisher has so many choices and features, it's amazing.  You can login and return to projects, check order status, view projects and reorder. 

It's an easy four step process:

1. Choose the photos you want to add to the book size and style.
2. After you click make book, you simply drag the photos to the slot you want them to appear.
3. You definitely have to click on preview to ensure they are appearing where you want them to appear and if you decided to add text, double check to ensure spelling is correct and the text is appearing with the correct photo.  I almost made a mistake by not carefully reviewing the preview before purchasing.
4. Buy the book!

This was our Summer 2009 book that I will purchase for each of the kids as a Christmas gift.  My new family tradition is to create a yearly special photo book to help with the collection of memories.  My last book was a couple of year's ago based on our time in Hawaii so I'm a little behind!

These personalized gifts are great for parents and grandparents too.

The quality is amazing and the shipping is really quick.  I would highly recommend them for anyone on your gift list.  It's so versatile that you can customize it for any subject.  Last year, I put together a book of the military career of my grandfather-in-law during his time in WW2.  That gift was received with tears as my father-in-law was extremely touched by it.

Everything is a click or drag feature unless you add text.  It's so easy to use and another great feature is they alert you if any of the photos are of low quality, if you have misspelled words or blank pages.

Didn't think it could get easier?  Well, it can!  If you want, they will even put the book together for you or they will walk you through screen by screen!

Check out all their products and choices.

• The books come in classic hardcover, deluxe hardcover and paperback pocketbooks. 
• 5x7 Greeting Cards
• 5x7 Post Cards
• 10x13 Calendars

MyPublisher has a great offer of one free book but you have to hurry as it expires 9/28/09!

All The Great Sales at HauteLook

Hautelook.com has some great sales going on:

DDF - Doctor's Dermatologic Formula with a free gift (note that this is just a sampling):

Bedhead Pajamas for Women (note that this is just a sampling):

Tea Collection for Kids (note that this is just a sampling):

There are many, many more sales going on right now!

Kohl's Deal of the Day: Fisher-Price® Aquarium Take-Along Swing™

Kohls has the Fisher-Price® Aquarium Take-Along Swing™ as the deal of the day. Normally priced at $64.99 but it's on sale for $39.99. My daughter LOVED this and so did we.

• An aquatic adventure. Your little one will love the sights and sounds of this Fisher-Price Take-Along Swing.
• Swinging motion with eight speeds promotes comfort and relaxation.
• Deep cradle seat provides necessary support.
• Colorful aquarium tank with moving fish soothes and entertains.
• Classical music and aquatic sound effects develop auditory skills.
• Baby- or Mom-activated lights stimulate baby's visual sense.
• Hanging sea creatures encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Extra tall handle gives you easy access to baby.
• Compact design lets you bring the swing everywhere you go.
• Nonslip feet securely hold swing in place.
• Machine-washable seat pad ensures convenient cleaning.

Details:

• Online exclusive
• 23"H x 18 1/2"W x 23 1/2"D
• From birth to 25 lbs.
• Requires 4 "C" batteries (not included)
• Some assembly required

Model no. J0418
Certain promotions and price discounts may not apply to this Web-exclusive item.

Cherry Blossom Wedding Ideas on a Budget

My sister was married this past July in my backyard.  The yard is big and gorgeous as it looks like a mini park.  We put up decorations and planted flowers.  I wanted to make it a special occasion so I created keepsakes from Zazzle.  This was a wedding on a budget so we looked for many ways to cut corners.

The first thing I made were magnets:

After still trying to decide which theme to keep, I made some stickers just for fun:

I made a matching bag to hold all of the things I made her:

Lastly, I made the invitations to coordinate with the rest of the items:

Even though no one other than our immediate family was able to attend since they were visiting from Indiana and we lived in Georgia, it was a nice event.  My husband was in Iraq so he missed out as well. 

I would have loved to have made the cake but I'm not that talented.  I was able to have a very nice retired Army spouse make a beautiful cake:

I also saved money by acting as the official photographer.